Gulaptis wants higher speed limit

SIX years after the Iluka Rd speed limit between Woombah and Iluka was dropped from 100km/h to 80km/h, Nationals candidate for the Clarence by-election Chris Gulaptis wants the O'Farrell Government to reverse the change.

In 2005 then roads minister Eric Roozendahl signed off on the speed limit reduction which was partly imposed to reduce road kill of the endangered coastal emu population that live in nearby Bundjalung National Park.

Now Mr Gulaptis said he has a 1500-signature petition signed by local residents calling for the speed limit to be raised to 100km/h.

He said the push to reinstate the 100 km/h speed limit was instigated by former member for Clarence Steve Cansdell.

"When it happened it was a unilateral decision by the minister without any community consultation," he said.

"I understand the Minister for Roads is currently reviewing the speed limit on the Iluka road and that is something I would lend my support to."

Mr Gulaptis could not answer whether the petition was a recent one, or one launched six years ago in opposition to the speed limit reduction, as he said he hadn't seen it, despite claiming he had it on radio yesterday morning.

He said reinstating the 100kmh speed limit would not increase road kill of coastal emus because where they cross Iluka Rd near Johnsons Lane the speed limit would remain at 80kmh.

Country Labor candidate Peter Ellem said safety on Iluka Rd should be the top priority when determining speed limits.

"I would only support this proposal to raise speed limits on any road, including Iluka Road, if it is backed by the safety experts," he said.

Greens candidate Janet Cavanaugh told ABC North Coast the speed limit should remain at 80kmh as Iluka Rd was too dangerous for 100kmh.